V8 Supercars: V8SA And Nissan Scrap Corporate Partnership

V8 SUPERCARS AUSTRALIA has called time on the Nissan GT-R’s run as pace car for the championship after abruptly announcing the end of its agreement with Nissan Australia.

The decision to sever ties was revealed ahead of the Hidden Valley round of the championship after the Japanese manufacturer rejected V8SA’s request for the car to be adorned with the logo of sponsor XXXX Gold beer.

With neither party able to reach a compromise, V8SA and Nissan Australia chose to instead mutually part ways with 21 months remaining on the initial two-year deal.

V8SA said in a statement: “Nissan fielded the world class Nissan GT-R as the official safety car for the first four events of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series with great success and exposure for both brands.

“The decision to discontinue the partnership was amicable and taken in the best interests of both parties. The two companies look forward to exploring other partnerships in the future.”

Nissan’s return to the touring car scene was heralded as a grand moment by V8SA Chief Executive Officer Cameron Levick at the time of the deal’s announcement, marking the company’s first foray into the sport after dominating in early 1990s Group A racing.

“There were certainly some mixed emotions back then and plenty of passion surrounding the GT-R. Now almost 20 years later Nissan is back again as a valuable addition to the sport and a fantastic new partner,” he said.

The GT-R’s introduction as series safety car coincided with its launch to the Australian market in early April, and was welcomed by  Nissan Australia Managing Director Dan Thompson.

“Australian Touring Cars have enjoyed immense popularity through the years and Nissan is delighted to become a corporate partner from this season,” he said.

“As most Australian race fans know, Nissan has enjoyed a very successful track record in the past and this year we are very excited at again being part of the support action.”